Experience Summary
In addition to the last four years of teaching high school German, while doing research in Germany and Austria for my PhD dissertation, I worked as a tutor for the Berlitz language company and as a translator of business documents from German into English. In this capacity, I tutored both individual students at their homes or businesses and small groups of students in the language center classrooms. I easily fit a tutoring curricula to each individual student's particular areas of interest.
Teaching Style
Communication is the paramount goal, so even though grammar is a bit of specialty of mine (Latin, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, etc.) I prioritize coaching the ability to exchange information and ideas clearly over any major focus on the finer points of German grammar...of which there are many.
I generally find that tutoring students do best when I give them a small an digestible dose of grammar at the start of a session and practice homework on this at the end of the session but keep 90% of time dedicated to practicing oral communication and listening skills.
My Hobbies
-classical guitar
-swimming, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving
-biking
-free climbing
Other Comments
Having lived and worked four years in Germany and Austria, most native speakers do not recognize that I am American, because my pronunciation is on par with educated native speakers. One guarantee I can make is that your pronunciation will improve by leaps and bounds if I work with you individually.